Ah, the apple. One of the most symbolic fruits in the world, and first on our list.

Fact bite –

The apple is a fruit produced by Malus pumila, or the apple tree to you and me, and is usually round in shape, with a sweet taste. The apple originated from the wild forests of central Asia around 4000 years ago, but didn’t taste anything like the scrummy-tasting treat we know of today.

Today, apples are used for eating, in cooking, and in both non-alcoholic and alcoholic (hic!) cider production. There is over a staggering 7,000 varieties of apple are grown throughout the world, but Just 10 varieties make up around 70% of the global production.

There’s a good chance you’ll find them in your local shops and supermarkets, with varieties such as the popular Gala, Granny Smith, and Jazz apples appearing in the top 10. Popular varieties discovered and grown here in the UK are Cox’s, Russet and Bramleys.

China is the leading producer of apples, growing around half the global production, with the US coming in a far-flung second at around 10% .

Health bite –

Other than being refreshing and flavoursome, apples are a good choice in a healthy diet. Apples are around 80% water, with around 10% being carbohydrate and around a 4% mix of vitamins and minerals.

They are also a good source of vitamin C, which helps heal the body, and potassium, which keeps your heart beating strong. An apple’s low calorie count and high fiber makes them great for staying fuller for longer, while keeping the weight off.

Apples also contain several antioxidants that help keep nasty illnesses and diseases at bay. Wash your apples before consuming!

Did you know?

Apple seeds contain cyanide – a choice poison in the plot of murder mysteries! However, the amount in the seeds isn’t remotely close enough to do any serious damage. It’s still better to remove them, though.

Throwing an apple to a women in ancient Greece was considered a marriage proposal. If she caught it, she accepted!

It was believed that apples could bring everlasting youth in Celtic mythology, and golden apples bestowed immortality in Greek and Nordic mythology.